You might think grapes aren't anything special to find at the farmers' market, but locally grown grapes look different than anything I’ve seen at the grocery store. I picked some up this week to see what they were all about.

At only 100 calories per cup, grapes are full of all kinds of antioxidants including lycopene, anthocyanins and resveratrol, an anti-inflammatory linked to fighting certain types of cancer. My farmer told me these red-and-green beauties are the “reliance” variety. They have a punch of sweet and tart flavor, and they’re seedless for easy snacking (try them frozen -- yum!).

I often add grapes to salads, chicken salad or whole-wheat couscous with parsley and toasted pine nuts. You can also roast, pickle or grill them on skewers. For a unique and simple dessert, try baking grapes with a sprinkle of sugar in small tarts made from phyllo dough or puff pastry.

Recipes to Try:

• Smooth White Grape Gazpacho
• Focaccia with Rosemary and Grapes
• Spiced Chicken and Grape Skewers